Celebrating National Social Worker Week with Hamilton County Schools
March 7, 2025 – Some students at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA) start their mornings with a routine stop by Alison Weiler’s office. Maybe they want to share a small victory from the day before. Maybe they just need a moment to breathe before heading to class. Either way, they know they are welcome.
“They pop in between class changes just to say hi, tell me about their weekend, or share something they’re excited about,” Weiler says. “It’s five minutes, but it’s one of my favorite parts of the day.”
As CCA’s only social worker, Weiler provides emotional and mental health support for students in grades six through twelve. She’s there for the tough moments—helping students navigate anxiety, depression, and personal struggles—but she also makes sure to celebrate their successes.
“If they ask me to come to a performance, I’m there cheering them on. I want them to know they’re cared for, no matter what.”
Weiler didn’t always know she wanted to be a social worker. “I thought I’d be a teacher,” she recalls. “But when I got to college, I realized what I really wanted was to support students in a different way.” After working as a school-based therapist at the elementary level, she transitioned to CCA to be more involved with students throughout their school experience.
It didn’t take long for her to find her rhythm. Now, she balances therapy sessions, check-ins, case management, and even lunch duty—where she watches students battle it out in a competitive game of foursquare.
No two days are the same, and that’s part of what she loves. Some days are packed with scheduled therapy sessions, while others are filled with drop-ins from students who just need a space to decompress. “You never really know what’s coming,” she says, “but that’s what makes this job so meaningful.”
Supporting an entire school isn’t always easy, especially when she’s the only social worker for over 700 students. “It’s a lot to balance,” Weiler admits. “But the counselors here are amazing. We’re constantly communicating to make sure students are getting the support they need.”
When working with students, Weiler takes an approach she learned from her parents—who, between careers in education and law enforcement, showed her the value of guidance, accountability, and humor. “I try to keep things light when I can, but I also want students to think about the choices they’re making and where those choices will lead them,” she explains.
Her most common advice? “I tell them all the time, ‘You’re learning how to be human, and that takes time. Mistakes are part of the process.’” She also encourages students to focus on what they can control, a mindset that helps them navigate challenges with resilience.
Weiler prioritizes self-care in her own life, too. “I do therapy to avoid burnout,” she shares. “I also hike, kayak, and rock climb—I even helped coach the climbing team here this year. Staying active and connected to things I love keeps me grounded.”
As for the future, she hopes to continue making a difference at CCA. “There’s a group of eighth graders I’ve been working with for a couple of years now. I want to see them graduate, see them succeed,” she says. “And I want them to carry what they’ve learned about taking care of their mental health with them, wherever they go next.”
National Social Worker Week is coming to a close, and we’re proud to end it by celebrating Alison Weiler for the care and compassion she brings to CCA every day. Her work goes beyond support—it creates a school where students feel understood, encouraged, and empowered to thrive. ❤️
